DB Class E 50


The Class E 50 is an electric heavy freight locomotive built for German Federal Railways between 1957 and 1973. It belongs to the Einheits-Elektrolokomotiven program and was built as heavy freight mover to be used on the increasingly electrified main lines of the DB, where they were set to replace the steam traction. In 1968 the series was redesignated as class 150. Originally the Class 150 was also suitable for passenger service, however it did not have any steam or electric heating capability for the passenger coaches.

Production

In 1957 the first locomotive, 150 001, was delivered by AEG and Krupp. Altogether 194 locomotives were ordered and delivered.

Performance

To date, the Class 150's starting tractive effort of remains unparalleled on German rails—in fact it was very close to the breaking force of the chain couplings used at the time of its production. Some engines were therefore fitted with automatic coupling to haul heavy ore-trains.

Survivors

By 2004 all class 150 locomotives except 150 091 and 150 186 were scrapped.